My gosh this scene. If you haven’t yet seen Celine Sciamma’s bracing film Girlhood, (and you really should since it’s on Netflix) this scene should be the one that convinces you. In one scene Sciamma and the young actresses manage to embody everything beautiful about being a girl. In the most exuberant, freeing, moment of the film, the girls stand and belt out a favorite and catchy song, at times breaking the fourth wall to stare directly into the camera. Watch the look of utter bliss on the leading lady’s face, eyes scrunched and beaming and she sings the words to the son, encircled by the arms of some of her best friends, her makeshift family. You will never listen to the song the same way again. Author – Allyson
Love & Mercy – “God Only Knows” – The Beach Boys
Telling the true story of the life of Beach Boys’ front man Brian Wilson, Love and Mercy established itself as one of the best music biopics in years. A big reason why is the incorporation of the classic Beach Boys sound. Many think of the Beach Boys as just surf music, but there is a lot more depth and emotion under the surface. Beautifully performed in the film by Paul Dano, perhaps the most memorable song used is the Pet Sounds’ classic “God Only Knows.” The incredibly thoughtful lyrics depict the joy of love and the melancholy without it, representing the film’s critical themes nicely. Dano’s voice makes for a solid new rendition, as his slow pace and gentle voice get across all the key emotional beats. Even without the complex harmonies, the song still delivers a strong sense of emotion. It’s a classic love song for a reason, and it perfectly represents the genius that is Brian Wilson. Author – Matt
Allyson is a New England based writer, who has been a film critic since 2012. She is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, and the Online Film Critics Society, along with being a Tomatometer approved critic on Rotten Tomatoes. Her writing can also be found at CambridgeDay.com, ThePlaylist.net, VagueVisages.com, RogerEbert.com, TheMarySue.com and elsewhere.
